Since the Writers Room opened in 1978 to address the needs of urban writers, who don't always have space to write at home, a number of similar writers' rooms have opened up around the U.S. and abroad. In addition to a desk, many of the below organizations also provide kitchen and lounge spaces, a reference library, Internet access, and community.
The Loft (Minneapolis)
With a view of the Minneapolis skyline for inspiration, the Loft offers writers a cozy atmosphere with handcrafted writing tables, modem connection, comfortable chairs, and a lounge with refrigerator, lockers, and a coffee maker. Writers may rent studio space for $85/month or $200 for three months.
Tel: 612-215-2575, loft@loft.org, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
Tel: 612-215-2575, loft@loft.org, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415.
The Office (Santa Monica)
© The Office
The Office of Santa Monica is open to members during peak hours (M-F 8:00-6:00) and to all, on a first come, first served basis, during off-peak hours. Rental fees include Internet access, coffee, newspapers and trade magazines, a reference library, and parking. Rates vary, but generally run between $150-$500 a month depending on level of access. Month and week-long trial memberships are available, as well as day passes; non-members should call about availability before coming.
Tel: 310-917-4455, 256 26th Street, Suite 101, Santa Monica, CA 90402-2524.
Tel: 310-917-4455, 256 26th Street, Suite 101, Santa Monica, CA 90402-2524.
Toronto Writers' Centre
© 2007 Toronto Writers' Centre
Opened in May 2006, the Toronto Writers' Centre provides free wireless, a balcony, kitchen, lounge, and a writing room with 28 individual work spaces. Full memberships are CDN$149.99 per month (six-month commitment required, CDN$106 initiation fee); associate memberships and visiting writer memberships are also available. Open 24/7, including holidays, the center also seeks to build community for writers.
Tel: 416-975-5172, md@writerscentre.ca, Suite 200 - 101 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1C1.
Tel: 416-975-5172, md@writerscentre.ca, Suite 200 - 101 Yorkville Ave., Toronto, Ontario, M5R 1C1.
Uptown Writer's Space (Chicago)
Located in Chicago's historic Uptown neighborhood, the Uptown Writer's Space offers handcrafted wooden cubicles as well as library tables and lounge seating. Other features include Internet access and a break room/coffee bar for socializing and relaxing. Rates are $95 for one month, $515 for six months, or $970 for one year. Writers also have the attractive option of purchasing a 10-visit card for $100.Tel: 773-275-1000, info@uptownwritersspace.com, 4802 N. Broadway, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60640.
The Writers' Room of Boston
© 2006 The Writers' Room of Boston
With writing carrels, computers, a kitchen, and a furnished common space, the Writers' Room of Boston provides writers who work or live in downtown Boston a writing refuge. Twenty-four hour access is available with the $225 quarterly fee (some fellowships are granted).
Tel: 617-523-0566, info@writersroomofboston.org, 111 State Street, fifth floor, Boston, MA 02109.
Tel: 617-523-0566, info@writersroomofboston.org, 111 State Street, fifth floor, Boston, MA 02109.
The Writers' Room of Hamburg
The Writers’ Room of Hamburg follows the model of the NYC Writers' Room, providing two large studio rooms with workstations and a conference room for readings, workshops, and meetings. Housed in an old can factory, which is also home to fine art, theatre, and dance studios, the Writer's Room offers writers the opportunity to meet and socialize with other types of artists. Stresemannstrasse, Tel.: ++49 -40 -898 233, info@writersroom.de, 374 Haus E, D-22761 Hamburg.The Writers WorkSpace (Chicago)
© 2007 Writers WorkSpace
A work and meeting space for writers of all genres, the Writers WorkSpace is located in the Andersonville/Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago and offers quiet workspace, printer and Internet access, a lounge and kitchen area, and a conference room where writers to meet with clients. Full-time ($125/month), part-time ($70/month), and temporary memberships are available.
Tel: 773-907-0336, info@writersworkspace.com, 5443 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.
Tel: 773-907-0336, info@writersworkspace.com, 5443 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.
Writers' Rooms in NYC
© The Mercantile Library Center
Five writers' rooms, including the seminal Writers' Room in Manhattan, offer quiet workspace for beleaguered NYC writers. Read "Top Writers' Rooms in NYC" for more information on these essential institutions.
